PROCEEDINGS OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH
THURSDAY, AUGUST 12, 1982
THE CITY COUNCIL OF SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH, MET AS A COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE ON THURSDAY, AUGUST 12, 1982, AT 6:00 P.M. IN ROOM 211 CITY AND COUNTY BUILDING.
ON ROLL CALL THE FOLLOWING COUNCIL MEMBERS WERE PRESENT: RONALD J. WHITEHEAD ALICE SHEARER GRANT MABEY IONE M. DAVIS EDWARD W. PARKER.
Councilmembers Palmer DePaulis and Sydney Fonnesbeck were absent from this meeting.
Council Vice Chairman Ronald J. Whitehead presided and conducted this meeting.
Albert Haines, Chief Administrative Officer, was present at this meeting.
COUNCIL BUSINESS
Albert Haines distributed copies of the Administration’s report on the Excavation and Obstruction Ordinance and the fees mandated by that ordinance. The Administration will recommend some changes in the fee structure and will submit amendments for the Council’s action for the September 7 meeting.
(O 82-36)
Mr. Haines distributed the Administration’s report on the proposed Early Retirement Incentive Program. He indicated that 110 employees had been employed by the City for over 30 years and were potential candidates for the program. It is the Administration’s intent to meet the Council’s legislative intent to decrease personal services costs through this program. Mr. Haines also indicated that two-thirds of the persons eligible for the program are in the Police and Fire Departments. The program was developed by John Wheat, Craig Peterson, Pete Pederson, Jane Erickson, and Alan Bridge, who investigated other early retirement programs and tried to develop a program that provided incentive without being too lucrative.
If approved, the program will be implemented this year with current appropriations. The administration will initiate a freeze on promotions and new hires. Councilmember Shearer requested that a clause be added to the program that would base the incentive pay on the salary the employee received during the last full year of employment. Mr. Haines indicated that the change would be made in time for the Council’s September 7 meeting. Councilmember Shearer expressed concern that the retiring personnel would be replaced by new employees hired at higher salaries than those earned by the retired employees. Mr. Haines indicated that reclassifications would not be the rule and indicated he would be willing to meet with the Council in January to report on what had happened to the positions held by the retired employees.
(B 82-4 & B 82-6)
The Council considered approving a motion to amend the priority list for Capitol Improvements projects for Fiscal Year 1982-83.
Mr. Haines reported to the Council on the status of the projects currently listed before Foothill-Sunnyside Park Improvements on the priority list. While several of the projects are ready for construction, funds are not available to allow the projects to begin. As the total required to perform the improvements to the park is low, this project could be done. Councilmember Whitehead asked about the status of the sale of surplus property. Mr. Haines indicated that no bids were received for the Davis County property and that the Sugarhouse UDAG has not been and may not be finalized. Councilmember Whitehead expressed concern that the neighborhood might be negatively impacted if the project is not finished before winter.
Councilmember Whitehead moved and Councilmember Mabey seconded that the Foothill Sunnyside Park Improvements be moved up on the list of Capitol Improvements priorities so the park can be landscaped this year, which motion carried all members present voting aye.
(B 82-7)
The Council considered the proposed revisions of Chapter 2 of Title 38 relating to repairs and replacement of sidewalks and curbs and gutters. Councilmember Shearer expressed concern that business owners would object to paying for 100% replacement of all concrete work. Councilmember Mabey expressed concern that some business owners would have trouble financing the work and that the ordinance could jeopardize small businesses. Jim Talebreza, Public Works Director, indicated that the Public Works Department would use judgment in determining when to force replacement of concrete and would try to work with business owners.
Councilmember Whitehead asked why the City expects property owners to pay for concrete work done on City property. Councilmember Shearer indicated that the argument is that the work enhances the value of that piece of property and that it would be unfair to expect other City residents to pay for the work through increased taxes.
Councilmember Davis moved and Councilmember Mabey seconded to adopt Ordinance 65 of 1982, with revisions, which motion carried all members present voting aye.
(O 82-47)
The Council discussed enforcement of the noise ordinance. Councilmember Mabey expressed frustration over what appears to be a lack of enforcement by the Police Department within his district. Mr. Haines indicated that he would look into the case Mr. Mabey is concerned about and would see what action the Administration can take to resolve the problem. Mr. Haines discussed the legislative program for the upcoming session of the Utah State Legislature. Legislation will be introduced to amend the Utah State Retirement Act to make participation in Utah State Retirement System optional for part—time employees, elected officials, and statutory officers. Legislation will be introduced to place the Circuit Court System under the state. A funding scheme will be suggested that would return a percentage of forfeitures and non-moving violation fines to the City. It was estimated that the system would reduce Salt Lake City’s costs by $2.2 million and would reduce revenues by $1.3 million.
A Sales Tax distribution formula will be introduced that would increase the amount of sales tax revenue realized by Salt Lake City for the first five years of the program but that would level Out after the first five years. In 1982 figures, Salt Lake City would realize a $2.2 million increase in sales tax revenue. Councilmember Davis expressed concern that the City appoint a lobbying team that could represent the City’s interests to both political parties. Mr. Haines indicated that the lobbying effort would be balanced to the City’s benefit. He also indicated that the Administration would work more closely with the Council to coordinate lobbying activities. He requested time during September to explain the legislation in more detail.
This meeting adjourned at 8:30 p.m.